Postdoctoral Researcher

Hours per week 37 Project Title Understanding mesophyll cell identity and function Months Duration 36 Flexible Options Although full-time hours are available, applications from those interested in working part-time hours are also welcomed.

Job Description Main Purpose of the Job

The Whitewoods lab has recently identified two classes of mutants lacking either palisade or spongy mesophyll cells. In this role you will identify the causative mutations and use a range of molecular and developmental approaches to identify the molecular mechanisms that control photosynthetic cell identity. You will also perform physiological analysis to understand how mesophyll cell identity underlies leaf function. There are many exciting avenues this project could take and it can be tailored to the interests of the successful candidate. The Whitewoods group is looking for someone with a strong sense of scientific curiosity and fun who is enthusiastic to contribute to a young lab as it grows.

Key Relationships

Internal: Line manager, group members and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institute. External: Collaborators

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Identify, plan, carry out and modify experiments to meet the objectives of the project Prepare results, reports and manuscripts for publication in leading scientific journals and other relevant media Disseminate research findings through presentations to various audiences at internal, national and international meetings Collaborate with colleagues within the Institute in the development of original and world class research, including contributing to research proposals and grant applications Liaise with industry and other external stakeholders Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, Scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees

Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance PhD (full award or expected within 6 months) or equivalent in Plant Science or related discipline Essential Bsc or equivalent in Biology or related area Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance Plant Genetics/ Genomics Essential Leaf Development Desirable Leaf Physiology Desirable

Requirement Importance Experience of oral research presentations Essential Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas in plant genetics, leaf development and/or physiology Essential Proven record in scientific writing Essential Scientifically curious Essential Experience of supervising, training and mentoring visitors and students Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills Essential Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders Essential Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures Essential Promotes and strives for continuous improvement Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement Importance Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars Essential Attention to detail Essential

Who We Are

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including; cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on (0) or .

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award , recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion's programme , a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department

Cell & development biology

Development continues throughout the life of the plant. While many linear pathways affecting development have been discovered and are illustrated by elegant genetic studies, the challenge of the future will be for us to understand how these developmental pathways are integrated, both with themselves as well as with environmental signals, to enable a mature plant to grow from a seed. Guided by evolutionary principles, the department uses its knowledge of biological processes obtained in laboratory organisms such as Arabidopsis to understand processes in crop plants such as Brassicas and cereals. To study this interaction of the plant genome with internal developmental networks and the environment, the department uses a combination of genetic, cell biological, molecular and evolutionary strategies. The insights we are gaining provide both an increasingly detailed knowledge of the proteins involved in diverse regulatory mechanisms and a conceptual framework in which this knowledge can be related and eventually integrated into a molecular description of plant cell function. The knowledge the department is creating is relevant to agriculture. Genes that control plant stature, form, over wintering responses and growth are potentially useful for improving crop performance.

The Whitewoods lab investigates how plants pattern their internal leaf structure, primarily using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system. They investigate how leaves form air spaces between cells, how photosynthetic cells acquire their identities, and how changes in light level modify these developmental processes to tune leaf structure to the environment.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Salary: £39,000 - £42,150 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. A starting salary of £40,100 is guaranteed for candidates who can evidence their PhD certificate on appointment.

Contract: 36 months, full time

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK

Closing date: 1 December 2026

Reference:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Whitewoods Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting edge science in the field of Cell & Development Biology.

About the John Innes Centre:

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally.

Our employees enjoy access to state of the art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management.

About the Whitewoods Group:

The Whitewoods Group investigates how plants pattern their internal leaf structure, primarily using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system. They investigate how leaves form air spaces between cells, how photosynthetic cells acquire their identities, and how changes in light level modify these developmental processes to tune leaf structure to the environment.

The role:

The successful